Beat the Cold

one: Using your touch screen phone or device while wearing gloves can be a challenge, as most materials just don’t cut it. The ingenious Japanese designers behind these North Face E-tip gloves have solved the problem with finger and thumb tips made of a special metallic fabric, so now you can text without getting frostbite. Already haven proven very popular in the US market, they are set to become the latest thing in Japan as well.

two: Temperatures have dropped and Mt. Fuji is covered in snow, so get ready to hit the slopes in Hakuba or Hokaido in this JP Pro jacket by Orage. The Canadian clothing company has won awards for its skiwear in the past, and is popular with boarders and skiers alike who demand the highest performance from their clothing.

three: Designed in Tokyo, the ‘Hex’ messenger bag by North Face features technology commonly seen in mountaineering jackets. Features include a large messenger pocket you can reach into without taking the bag off—and without the rain getting in. The bag also features a 17-inch padded pouch for your laptop, an iPhone pocket on the shoulder strap, reflector fabric on the bottom and a loop for a bike light to keep you safe on the street.

four: The Vector watch by Suunto, billed as an ‘outdoor sports computer,’ is waterproof and can measure altitude and atmospheric pressure with a built- in sensor. Aside from other features such as a digital compass and backlight, it can also be used for mundane things like telling the time, which is most important as it is easy to lose track when having fun on the mountain.

five: Made of wool, this smart muffler from Scottish brand Robert Sim will keep you equally warm on the dash to the Yamanote line or on your mountain break away from the city. A range of colors and patterns are available, making this a no-brainer for everyone on your Christmas list.

six: These geek chic knit ‘room shoes’ are perfect for relaxing after a hard day on piste. The retro snowflake styling looks straight out of a classic Christmas movie, and the fuzzy, faux-shearling lining will keep your feet toasty warm during cold nights.